The love of three pals that weathered a progression of storms, the minor scrimmages that evolved from domestic duty in their small New York apartment where they shared their common lot, the cross-current heart tugs toward the same girl whom they took from the streets and made a member of their gang, their cruel disappointment in her when she "trimmed" them and escaped to seek a career, and their final separation by the great war, is the theme of "Laff That Off," the comedy which opened at the Playhouse Theater Thursday night.
    The ability to "laff" off the battles of life made the last, big laugh at the end of the play an enjoyable experience that sent the audience home happy for the boys, happy for themselves and happy that they had seen the play.
    At least two of the actors in this week's production deserve mention. Mason Wellington, who played the role of Leo, the quiet member of the "gang," maintained commendable restraint, and made his character speak volumes beyond the dialogue of his part.
    John E. Frank did his best bit so far, in the role of Remorse, the wisecracking vaudeville kid with the materialistic soul. Although he had a chance, he did not overplay his part, and contributed the best piece of comedy so far seen at this theater.

LITTLE THEATRE GROUP TO APPEAR IN 'DOVER ROAD'

Too Many Husbands at the New Playhouse

    Starting tonight the Frank Comedians will present the farce comedy "Too Many Husbands." The comedy is said to be a rapid and screamingly funny one. The intangible situations arise fast and furious and keep the audience in an uproar.
    Mr. Frank has cast "Too Many Husbands" to good advantage. Miss Nellie Watters will play Dolly Sevier, who causes all the trouble. Miss Jana Karle plays Sylvia Wintrope, the nurse. Miss Doris Danita, as Aunt Prue, declares such "going on's never happened in her young days." Miss Doris Ezzell, as Meg, the slavey. [sic]
    Alvis J. Koch plays Tom Chance, the gambler. Carl Luthey, Dolly's husband. Mason Wellington is Sam Pollock, the suitor, and James Craig returns to the cast as O'Hara, the policeman who tries to capture his man and clear up the situation, only succeeding in complicating matters.

    "Too Many Husbands." After all, why not? Especially if they prove so harmlessly diverting as did Alois J. Koch and Carl Luthy in the make-believe life of Nellie Watters at the Playhouse Theater last night.
    When a young couple decide to get married, keep it a secret, and fake apartments on opposite sides of the town, things are apt to happen.
    For instance, a gambler may crawl out of a raided apartment downstairs and into the nearest apartment on his way up the fire escape. He may meet the young bride coming in the door, dressed in masculine clothes, and mistake her for a man. Oh yes--most assuredly he will--if the play is a farce.
    Then, in all probability, he will suggest that she smoke a cigar or two, put on the boxing gloves for a round and a number of other incongruous stunts. Especially if the disguised bride is feminine to the extreme.
    Enter the hick policeman, of course, just on the heels of wifie's successful attempt to hide the intruder, and the hair-raising search of "them rooms, by cracky." The gambler's second effort to escape is cut to the quick by the sudden appearance of hubby, which calls forth a riotous series of gyrations on the part of the bride, meaning that she is keeping calm on the brink of a nervous collapse.